Top 25 Things to do in El Calafate, Argentina

Come visit El Calafate! Expedia makes it easy to book El Calafate tours and find the best attractions. We have a broad selection of things to do in El Calafate for you to browse through and learn about all the most popular activities. It’s easy to find all the must-see El Calafate sights by looking though our list of all the most popular El Calafate attractions.

Whether you travel to El Calafate in the spring, summer, fall or winter, Expedia makes it simple to find endless El Calafate vacation ideas for any season. You can explore local things to do and popular tourism spots in El Calafate, then book a flight, rental car and hotel all with ease.

Ride aboard a powerful 4x4 truck along the east side of Cerro Huyliche to enjoy a panoramic view of the scenic Calafate Mountain Park. Take in stunning 360-degree views of the Andes, framed by nearby towns, lakes, and spectacular glaciers,... from a vantage point 3,600 feet (1,100 m) above sea level.

Following your convenient hotel pickup, travel upward along the mountain’s rugged slopes and dusty roads in comfort, and watch as the views grow more expansive as you gain elevation. Once you reach the lofty lookout located at the highest point in the park, relish the encompassing views of the gigantic Argentino Lake, the shoreline town of El Calafate, and the distant peaks around El Chalten and Cerro Torre.

Descend the mountainside and head toward an intriguing geologic site known as The Stone Labyrinth. Listen as your guide shares commentary about the fossils found here that date back to the Cretaceous period, more than 85 million years ago, and then check out La Piedra de los Sombreros, (The Hats Stone), so-named because its rock formations look like the famous Mexican hat. After traveling a total distance of 9 miles (15 km), return to El Calafate where your driver will happily drop you off at your hotel.
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Pay a visit to El Chalten on this self-guided adventure in spectacular countryside, where the beauty of Mount Fitz Roy surrounds you. Discover extraordinary glaciers and Patagonian landscapes in Los Glaciares National Park and explore the hiking capital of Argentina... at your own pace.

Set out from El Calafate with a ride from your hotel and follow the famous Route 40 along the shore of Argentino Lake. After a visit to the famed La Leona hotel, ride along Viedma Lake and take in magical views of glaciers, hidden lakes, and the glorious peaks of Mount Fitz Roy.

You can find several photo stops along the way to the Andean village El Chaltan, known as the trekking capital of Argentina. After a brief visit to the Interpretation Centre, you can hike up to one of the miradors of Mount Fitz Roy and Mount Torre, supplied with a map and a packed lunch for your self-guided excursion.

The route you follow is all up to you, and you can feel like an expert on the clearly marked paths. Choose the hike from the DeAgostini base camp to the Adela range and the incredible Torre Lagoon, or the Capri Lagoon trail with its unforgettable views of Mount Fitz Roy, before the time comes to meet back up with your group and return to your hotel.
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On the shores of Argentino Lake, the ranch of El Galpón offers you a day in a spectacular piece of countryside. Admire the views of nearby glaciers, try your hand at shepherding or horseback riding, and be a part of... the traditions that developed for generations as part of the local livelihood.

The tour starts with a pickup from El Calafate in the afternoon and a ride that takes you west along the lake. El Galpón lies just 12 miles (20 km) away, on the way to the Perito Moreno Glacier. Encompassing 2 miles (3. 5 km) of shore and 1 mile (1. 5 km) along the shores of the Centinela River, the ranch offers an ideal environment for you to enjoy an afternoon surrounded by nature.

After a traditional reception in an old-fashioned shearing shed, you have some time to get to know the estate. A guided walk takes you to the shores of Argentino Lake, and you can join some kelpies and gauchos to go sheepherding, watch a shearing demonstration, and take a horseback ride through the wonderful landscapes of Patagonia.

Finish the night with a 3-course dinner at the ranch's living room, where you can dine on Patagonian lamb, chicken, pork, pastries, and a variety of salads while you enjoy a tango and folklore show performed by local artists. Afterward, it's time for your ride back to El Calafate as your tour comes to an end.
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Experience a slice of traditional life in the Argentinian countryside with this visit to the Estancia 25 de Mayo ranch. Taste delicious local fare, sample sumptuous wines, and learn about sheep farming with insightful demonstrations. Enjoy a charming escape into... the country on this relaxed tour.

After convenient pickup from your hotel, head to Estancia 25 de Mayo, a 42-acre (17-ha) ranch just outside downtown El Calafate. During your stay, learn about traditional customs and sheep farming practices, which southern Argentina is known for. Watch an exhibition of sheep herding as sheepdogs expertly direct the woolly animals into pens, then step into a shed for a wool-shearing demonstration.

Get a taste of typical Patagonian food as well with a delicious meal made with lamb, organic produce, and other local ingredients. After a hike to Arroyo Calafate, a bubbling creek that flows through the estate, take the opportunity to savor regional wine atop a viewpoint that looks over the entire area. During the night tour, you can also witness a show of traditional Argentinian dance and learn about local folklore before heading back to your hotel.
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Los Glaciares National Park and its surroundings are home to spectacular glaciers and some of the most awe-inspiring natural scenery in South America. Take a journey into the heart of this region, traveling over both land and water as you... explore the continent's enchanting natural landscapes.

After convenient pickup from your hotel, take a relaxing drive out of El Calafate toward the national park, where you're greeted by sights of dense forests and snow-capped peaks standing proudly in the distance. Your guide shares insight into the area's flora, fauna, and geologic makeup, painting a vibrant picture of what makes the park so special.

Board a cruise boat and sail among staggering icebergs as you explore the western front of the Upsala Glacier up close, eventually passing through Cristina Canal to Estancia Cristina, where you disembark. This famous ranch sits in the shadows of towering, snow-covered mountains and boasts a history dating back to 1914.

After you've explored Estancia, continue your journey with a 4x4 trek over miles of mountainous roads to Museo Costumbrista, an old sheep-shearing shed. Soak up more views of the distant Andes Mountains, which help define the serene beauty of the Patagonia region, before beginning the trip back to your hotel.
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Venture out to see the Andean glaciers on this half-day excursion to explore the sights of Estancia Nibepo Aike. Your journey takes you out on horseback over the roads of the steppe, with visits to many of the first livestock... establishments along the historic route.

Start out with a ride out from El Calafate and along the old road through the farmland of Huyliche, Anita, and Alta Vista. Keep an eye out for condors, foxes, and hares in the country as you make several stops at panoramic spots for a look at the Perito Moreno Glacier, the Andes, and the lakes of Argentino and Roca from unusual perspectives.

When you arrive at Nibepo Aike Estancia, you can try your hand at shearing and herding the local flock or take a walk up to the shore of the lake. Climb on horseback and follow a local guide through the country, climb the slope of Cerro Cristal for an incredible panoramic view, and visit an organic farm. Finish up the adventure with a convenient return to your El Calafate hotel.
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Set out for El Chalten for an unforgettable adventure in Los Glaciares National Park. Explore Viedma Glacier, the largest glacier in the park, get fantastic views of Mount Fitz Roy, and enjoy a cruise on Lake Viedma to admire the... spectacular scenery from the water.

Your day starts at 7:30am as you depart from El Calafate and head along the famous Route 40. The iconic highway runs along Argentino Lake up to the historic hotel of La Leona, and from there along Viedma Lake for magical views of glaciers, hidden lakes, and the glory of Mount Fitz Roy.

After several photo stops, you arrive in the Andean village of El Chalten, known as Argentina's trekking capital for the number of climbers who gather here to tackle the slopes. After a quick visit to the Interpretation Centre, head to the Port of Bahia Tunnel and sail along the lake to the beautiful Viedma Glacier to begin your trek.

You can spend more than 2 hours exploring the ice, its crevasses, and its caves, accompanied by an expert mountain guide, before it's time to head back to El Calafate for an easy ride back to your hotel.
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Get ready for a spectacular adventure in Los Glaciares National Park. This tour gives you an incredible view of Mount Fitz Roy and the famous hikers' village of El Chalten, and lets you admire the scenery from the water with... a cruise on Viedma Lake.

Your day starts with a ride from your hotel and along the famous Route 40, which takes you past Argentino Lake up to the La Leona River, where you can visit the famous La Leona hotel. From there, a ride along Viedma Lake shows you magical views of glaciers, hidden lakes, and the glory that is Mount Fitz Roy.

After several photo stops, your ride brings you to the Andean village of El Chaltan. Make a brief visit to the Interpretation Centre, and then have some free time to explore the village. The lookout point at Mount Fitz Roy combines easy access with a unique panoramic view.

Next, head to the port of Tunel Bay, the starting point for your cruise across Viedma Lake. A 2-hour boat trip takes you along the Viedma Glacier, where you can admire the 130-foot-high (40-m) walls and ice floes of the largest glacier in the park. In the evening, a transfer takes you back to your hotel to bring the adventure to an end.
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Head just outside of El Calafate to uncover the science and history of Patagonia's glaciers at the Glaciarium Museo del Hielo Patagónico. Learn how these monumental sheets of ice were created, find out which explorers first captured their beauty, and... explore the threats the glaciers now face.

Make your way to the Glaciarium on your own or with convenient shuttle service, departing every hour from El Calafate's Tourism Bureau. When you arrive at the museum, hop out and head inside this stark edifice, designed by architects to resemble a glacier, to take time strolling between interactive exhibits. Listen to the sounds of melt water, investigate models that showcase glacial formations, and check out the ice-focused work of famous Argentine photographers like Florian Von der Flecht.

Examine the ways in which today's climate is diminishing the size of Patagonia's glaciers, watch an intriguing documentary about their shifting landscapes, and don't forget to swing by the onsite shop for the chance to pick up glacial gifts before you head back to El Calafate.
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Take in the sights of the historic town of El Calafate and see traditional buildings that date back to the time of the pioneers. This tour is a great way to learn about the town's history and how it came... to be what it is today.

Set out from your hotel with a convenient pickup as your tour vehicle takes you out to explore the town. Just off the coast of Lake Argentino, you can see Laguna Nimez, and try some birdwatching from the vehicle with the help of some powerful binoculars.

On a visit to the nearby orchards, you can see where fine strawberries and cherries are cultivated with great effort. Learn about the different production techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation, and then pass by Cuevas del Gualichu, an archaeological site outside the city, where you can view prints left by the first people to inhabit these lands.

Your final stop is the lookout at Virgen de la Paz, where you can see astonishing views of the town before the ride back to your hotel.
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Set out for an icy adventure in a uniquely Patagonian landscape with a visit to the ice floes and glacier fields around Punta Bandera. Navigate the Spegazzini Canal by boat to admire the grandeur of ancient glaciers, including the spectacular... formations of Upsala and Seco.

After you’re picked up from your hotel, gaze out the window as the rugged scenery rolls by during an hour-long drive to Punta Bandera. There, climb aboard a boat and set off for a picturesque cruise through the cold blue waters of Lago Argentino. Less than 2 hours after setting sail, the gigantic mountains of ice, easing through mountain valleys to feed the lake, come into view. Observe the unique shapes of the glaciers, sculpted by water, wind, and pressure over the centuries.

Admire the massive pinnacles of the Upsala Glacier before proceeding to the Spegazzini Channel, named for one of the first botanists to explore the flora of the region. This area offers more breathtaking vistas, including up-close views of the massive Spegazzini Glacier.
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Discover the stunning landscapes of Argentino Lake and its scenic glaciers on this guided cruise. Bring your camera to snap photos of the gigantic ice masses as you sail along the lake's northern arm and pass by the Upsala, Spegazzini,... and Seco glaciers.

After pickup from your hotel in El Calafate, set off to the port of Punta Bandera where you board the boat. As your cruise begins, make your way to Upsala Canal, known for the awe-inspiring Icebergs Barrier. Soon you spot the impressive pinnacles of the Upsala Glacier, named after a Swedish university which sponsored the first studies in the area.

Next proceed to the Spegazzini Canal to see the Seco Glacier, nicknamed the Dry Glacier, characterized by the strip of land beneath it that was once covered by ice. Marvel at towering Spegazzini Glacier, the region's highest iceberg, reaching an altitude of 443 feet (135 m). After admiring this massive mountain of ice, continue to the Iceberg Canal and navigate back to Punta Bandera.
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Embark on a thrilling mountain bike ride down the trails of Patagonia. Breathtaking scenery greets you as you peddle around each corner. Bring your camera to snap memorable photos at stops along the downhill route while your friendly guide tells... you more about the surrounding landscape.

Meet at the Viva Patagonia office to begin your tour. Then ride on the chair lift which has a security rod and is operated by a highly qualified staff. As you journey up the mountain on this lift, witness 360-degree views of the El Calafate landscape.

At the top, walk over to where the bikes have been conveniently placed. Listen to your guide go over safety instructions as you perform full-body stretches to limber up your muscles for the downhill ride. Once you're feeling prepared for the 8-mile (13-km) mountain bike trek, throw your leg over the bar and, placing your feet on the peddles, set off down the mountain.

The route takes you to some of the most remote destinations in the area including Lago Escondido (Hidden Lake). The terrain is soft and the path is wide with slopes that present plenty of exhilarating drops.

Stop along the way at sites where you can view Argentine Lake and Monte Fitz Roy and hear intriguing facts about the local ecosystem. Your guide also uses these stops to ensure that your equipment is sound and that the pace is working well for all participants. Once you're finished with the full descent, the last leg of the route is through an urban area. End your exciting day with a rejuvenating snack at the original meeting point.
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Set off on a stunning cruise to get up-close tof the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of Patagonia’s most spectacular sites. Learn about the steady expansion of this dynamic mountain of ice, enjoy seeing it from different perspectives, and walk on... a footbridge near its pale blue walls.

Savor views of the dramatic Patagonian landscape as you ride from the picturesque town of El Calafate to Los Glaciares National Park and your waiting boat. Climb aboard a spacious vessel with unobstructed viewing decks and embark into the bright blue waters of Lago Argentino.

Your experienced captain works to get you as close to the glacier as possible during this exciting 40-minute tour. Listen for thunderous cracks as the gigantic ice formation continues to grow. Despite recent changes in the global climate, this glacier is known to be steadily growing, feeding off streams and rivers. You may even see house-sized chunks fall off and plunge into the water below.

Nearby, wander along the Mirador, a footbridge that offers you its own unique look at the Perito Moreno Glacier and the perfect opportunity to snap a few photos of this breathtaking landscape. When your memory card is full, head back to El Calafate and reflect on your memorable exploration of this natural wonder.
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Set off to Perito Moreno, one of Patagonia's most imposing and most visited glaciers, located in the UNESCO-listed Los Glaciares National Park. Admire the gigantic ice formation from different perspectives during the brisk hike along the surrounding catwalks.

After convenient pickup at your hotel, make your way to the stunning 97-square mile (250-sq km) ice formation located near the Chilean border. The 19-mile (30-km) long glacier was named after local explorer Francisco Moreno, one of Patagonia's most famous researchers. Unlike most of the region's icebergs, Perito Moreno is one of the very few that has been growing in recent years.

Arrive at the visitor center to begin the exciting guided hike on the national park's trails. The walking tour takes you to the glacier's main viewpoints, located on the southern and eastern flanks of the stunning formation. After the 2. 5-hour walking tour and some time to explore on your own, savor the view of the main attraction of Los Glaciares National Park and return to El Calafate.

Set out for a brisk trek on one of Patagonia’s largest glaciers, the renowned Perito Moreno. Crown this memorable experience by sipping a glass of whiskey poured over a genuine piece of ice carved from the glacier.

Start your hike with a 40-minute trek along Lago Argentino’s southern arm, where the gigantic iceberg towers above you in a craggy blue and white mass. Before stepping onto Perito Moreno, tighten crampons onto your boots for the perfect traction and mobility. Follow your guide on an exciting 2-hour trek across the 97-square-mile (250-sq-km) mountain of ice, spotting deep blue lagoons and different shapes and colors of ice on this once-in-a-lifetime exploration of a truly breathtaking landscape.

At the end of the walk, raise a toast with a warming glass of whiskey poured over pure glacier ice, and then make your way to the Mirador viewpoint to get a different perspective of the incredible dimensions of majestic Perito Moreno.

Explore the famous glacier of Perito Moreno, a steadily growing mountain of ice located in Los Glaciares National Park. Study this fascinating and massive natural wonder as you learn about its unique regenerative cycle, which allows it to increase in... size over time.

Depart from El Calafate and head to Los Glaciares National Park, one of Patagonia's main attractions. Pass through this rugged, mountainous landscape as you approach the giant mass of Perito Moreno, which sprawls over 97 square miles (250 sq km). Learn about the intriguing natural processes taking place in and around the vast glacier, which forms natural dams, waterways, and collapsing ice structures as it ebbs, flows, and expands.

Next, take a walk on the Mirador footbridge for an up-close perspective on this icy colossus. You can choose to add on a boat cruise next to the towering ice walls and glacial caves along Argentino Lake, or just spend some free time exploring on your own before your 2-hour return trip to El Calafate.
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Set off to Perito Moreno, one of Patagonia's most imposing and most visited glaciers, located in the UNESCO-listed Los Glaciares National Park. Embark on a scenic cruise on Rico Lake, sailing past the gigantic Perito Moreno Glacier, before admiring the... gigantic ice formation from different perspectives during the brisk hike along the surrounding catwalks.

After convenient pickup at your hotel, make your way to the stunning 97-square mile (250-sq km) ice formation located near the Chilean border. The 19-mile (30-km) long glacier was named after local explorer Francisco Moreno, one of Patagonia's most famous researchers.

The walking tour takes you to the glacier's main viewpoints, located on the southern and eastern flanks of the stunning formation. After the 2. 5-hour walking tour and some time to explore on your own, savor the view of the main attraction of Los Glaciares National Park and return to El Calafate.

The memorable 1-hour cruise shows you the famous Perito Moreno Glacier from a different perspective as you approach the ice mass by water. The glacier, 19 miles (30 km) long, was named after local explorer Francisco Moreno, one of Patagonia’s most famous researchers. Unlike most of the region's glaciers, Perito Moreno is one of the few that has expanded in the last few years.
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Head to La Leona and explore the spectacular sights of a petrified forest, Argentino Lake, and the Santa Cruz River La Leona Rivers. Panoramic view of the majestic Andes Mountains form your backdrop throughout this awe-inspiring journey.

After convenient pickup from your hotel, travel northeast along Route 40, enjoying views of the sparkling Argentino Lake and Santa Cruz River along the way. Make a brief stop at the Hotel La Leona, a local historical site, then continue along the south bank of Viedma Lake to reach the slopes of Los Hornos Hill.

Begin a scenic, exploratory walk among petrified logs and fossils, taking a fascinating look into the past with each step. Walk past fossilized logs as wide as 4 feet (1. 2 m), gazing at their many rings and getting a sense of how different climate was during the forest's lifetime. Stop for lunch and take in the views before making the trip back to your hotel.

Enjoy convenient and cost-effective shared transportation between El Calafate Comandante Armando Tola Airport (FTE) and your hotel aboard a shuttle. For transfers to and from El Calafate the zones to select from include:

Set off on a full-day journey that takes you over the Chilean border and deep into Torres del Paine National Park. Towering, snow-capped peaks, powerful waterfalls, and endless mountain scenery welcome you from every angle throughout this exhilarating journey into... nature.

Once you're picked up from your hotel, take a relaxing drive out of El Calafate to the Chilean border. After clearing customs, enter the expansive Torres del Paine National Park and wind through its dense tree-and mountain-covered terrain. Start off on a route that takes you past Sarmiento Lake, Amarga Lagoon, and the magnificent, jagged peaks of Mount Fitz Roy. Panoramic views of the Paine Horns eventually come into sight from one of many lookout points that dot your path.

Continue to Pehoe Lake and Paine River before arriving at the Grey Lake Inn, where you take a load off and enjoy a boxed lunch. The next leg of your adventure moves along a short hiking trail to the stunning Salto Grande Waterfall, where views of crashing blue-green water await you. Your experience ends with a relaxing drive back to El Calafate and drop off at your hotel.
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Soak up some of the most impressive views South America has to offer in the picture-perfect Torres del Paine National Park. Make your way to Chile for a full day of 4x4 sightseeing, hiking, and photographing stunning landscapes.

Head south and prepare your passport, as you're about enter Chile. Soon after crossing the border, get ready for the breathtaking natural scenery of the Torres del Paine. The day's adventure consists of hiking on numerous paths as well as a 4x4 truck ride through the fields.

Follow your expert guide as you trek to various viewpoints, all of which offer stunning outlooks over the picturesque surroundings. Among the sights you see are Sarmiento de Gamboa Lake, Saltos del Rio Paine, and the Cerro Almirante Nieto and Cuernos del Paine viewpoints.

All hikes are adapted to your group's ability and experience. Two meal breaks, one for snacks and another for lunch, allow you to keep your energy level high throughout the day.

Sail away to Upsala, South America's second longest glacier, and admire Patagonia's unique scenery. Board a modern yacht to explore the famous Estancia Cristina, a lodge dating back to 1914.

Head to the port of El Calafate. From here, a luxurious boat takes you to Argentino Lake's impressive glaciers. Soon you spot the fascinating pinnacles of Upsala, a massive mountain of ice named after a Swedish university where the majestic formation was first studied. Pass by the western front of the 33-mile (53 km) long iceberg before continuing to Estancia Cristina.

The renowned old lodge, founded back in 1914, has a unique location in the calm Patagonian Desert, close to wildlife and glaciers. Here you have the opportunity to taste the traditional Patagonian lamb (at extra cost), a true delicacy of regional cuisine.

After enjoying some free time in the Estancia, follow your guide on a walk to the nearby Caterina River, where the locals fish for surprisingly sizable Patagonian trout. Pass by the chapel and the gaucho museum to learn more about the cowboys of the steppe before returning to Punta Bandera by boat, and then to El Calafate.

Spend an unforgettable day of adventure ice trekking on Viedma, one of Patagonia’s largest glaciers. Get a glimpse of majestic Monte Fitz Roy, cruise through ice flows on Viedma Lake, and visit the El Chaltén village, known as the Capital... of Trekking.

After you’re picked up from your hotel, ride down the iconic Route 40, leaving El Calafate behind and heading along the shores of the Lago Argentino toward the historic La Leona Roadhouse & Country Lodge. Make a brief stop to enjoy some freshly brewed coffee and cakes, and then continue to Viedma Lake, where you can take in sweeping views of craggy, blue-white glaciers.

On your way to the idyllic Andean village of El Chaltén, admire the breathtaking panorama featuring the rugged peak of Monte Fitz Roy. Upon arrival in the village, spend some time checking out the information at the Historical Interpretation Center before a ride to the Port of Bahia. There, step aboard a ship and cruise through the ice floes to Viedma, the largest glacier in the UNESCO-listed Los Glaciares National Park.

Hop off the boat, strap on your crampons, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure as you head out on a 2. 5-hour trek through the frozen icescapes, crevasses, and ice caves. The hike is led by a certified expert mountain guide who knows the glacier well, so your expedition is sure to be both safe and highly informative.
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The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Los Glaciares National Park offers a look at spectacular glacial flows left over from the last Ice Age. Explore this immense force of nature with a tour that takes you onto Viedma Lake for... an up-close look at some of the most incredible geology in the region.

Start the tour with a morning pickup from your hotel and a ride north into Argentina's largest national park. Pass through the community of El Chaltén for lunch at the Eco Camp, a cozy timber lodge on the shore of Rio de Las Vueltas with unique views of Mount Fitz Roy's north face. Relax in the lodge's fabulous dining room, surrounded by the warmth of its beautiful timber.

After lunch, head south towards Túnel Bay, where you set out for a cruise to the glacier's edge. You get a look at Cape Horn on the lake's far southeast coast, and then sail right past the 130-foot-high (40-m) wall of ice where the glacier meets the lake. See the giant icebergs that broke off into the water as your guide explains the remarkable forces at work, and then finish the tour with a return to El Calafate in the evening.
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